Preparing for College: The Online Guide for Students with Disabilities

For students with disabilities, preparing for college can be a great challenge. The transition from a high school environment to a college is drastic. For one thing, the college of choice may be located far from home. Thus, it’s important to gather as much information as possible before choosing a college. Fortunately, there are many resources on the Internet that can help students with disabilities make a decision.

Choosing a College or University

Selecting the right college can be a daunting task, so students should look at the various options available to them. The college should enable students to enhance their skills and talents, and students should be able to develop a personalized curriculum to suit their needs. Another important consideration is that the campus has accommodations for people with disabilities. Each campus varies on its level of appropriate accommodations, so students and families should check to see if it suits them. Colleges usually have a point of contact or an office that they can be in touch with regard to their facilities. Some colleges provide special attention with physiotherapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and also medical support. Independence training to some extent will also be provided so that students gain confidence to live on their own in the future.

• : The article highlights some of the factors to be considered when choosing a college.

• : The page explores some of the difficulties faced by students with learning disability in pursuing higher education.

• : The State of Virginia offers a guideline for students with disabilities covering such topics like choosing a college, financial aid, responsibilities, and more.

• : The Services for Students with Disabilities offers a lot of resources for UM students.

• : The Center for Students with Disabilities provides information on accommodations, programs, events, and more.

• : The Center for Students with DisABILITIES offers support and resources to help students cope with campus life.

• : The Services for Students with Disabilities provides essential information for students and faculty.

• : The Services for Students with Disabilities offers information on disability parking, academic support, disability documentation, voter registration, and so on.

• : The Disability Resources & Educational Services offers a lot of information for prospective students.

• : The page provides information on reasonable accommodations, housing, CSD registration, and more.

Financial Aid Opportunities

The cost of college education for a student with disability is quite high, and it varies depending on equipment and support required. Colleges have a financial aid office to help out with loans and scholarships. Federal Student Aid programs are provided by the US Department of Education every year. Supplemental Security income is a monthly benefit for the lower income group and it will be provided based on the disability, varying from state to state. Each state also has a State Vocational Rehabilitation Services department which helps people with disabilities to find employment to support them. In addition, there are other scholarships and awards for the disabled as well.

• : The page provides financial aid information for students with disabilities covering loans, scholarships, savings, and more.

• : The University of Washington offers some financial aid avenues for students with disabilities.

• : The article highlights the challenges of obtaining financial aid for students with disabilities.

• : The page lists available scholarships for students with disabilities.

• : The official site of Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Understanding Your Rights

A disabled student has the right to receive education from a college with appropriate adjustments made, to accommodate him/her. There should not be any discrimination or rejection on the basis of the disability. However, the college is not obliged to provide free education. It’s not necessary to specify the disability while applying for admission unless special accommodations have to be made. Any aids or modifications to ensure equal education opportunities should be made by the institution like easy registration, sign language interpreter, changing course or reducing load. It is important to be aware of your rights before entering the college.

• : The Office for Civil Rights outlines the rights of students with disabilities.

• : The study highlights the education rights and responsibilities of students with disabilities.

• : The article explains the rights of students with disabilities according to the ADA and Section 504.

• : Come here to learn about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

• : The page provides information on the rights of students with disabilities.

Disability Associations and Organizations

A number of organizations provide support and information on college education for the disabled. Some state specific organizations like the vocational rehabilitation center could help with aids. Minnesota State Services for the Blind, AHEAD, and HEATH are a few such organizations. In addition, colleges may have offices that provide assistance exclusively for the disabled. Some colleges have special riding classes and clubs for the disabled.

• : An excellent resource center dedicated to students with disabilities.

• : The official site of the Learning Disabilities of America.

• : The National Association of Blind Students provides essential resources for blind students.

• : The homepage of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

• : The Association on Higher Education and Disability provides resources, programs, publications, and other information.

Colleges & Universities with Special Programs

• : It has a special program to enhance the educational experience of students with disabilities.

• : The Oregon State University provides information on international programs for students with disabilities.

• : The page offers information on the PLuS Program for students with LD and AD/HD.

• : The St. Francis Xavier University provides information on the special program for students with disabilities.

• : The Gardner Webb University offers information on the program for students with disabilities.